We’re at our organization’s HQ for two weeks, doing some training and meetings, and the food situation? OY. Because my babies want ALL. THE. SUGARY. THINGS. and Mama doesn’t want crazy behavior due to too many treats. So I’m fighting back on costs and sugar with whole chickens…the leftovers of which I’m putting with stir fries, over pasta and into soups.

But my #momhack today has to do with flavor…because I don’t want to buy a whole bottle of sesame seeds for my stir fry, but without it? Kinda bland.

As you can see, even this tiny jar is $2.21, which is really more than I need for two weeks.

Instead, I went over to the bulk section at Winco Foods, and got just two tablespoons for $0.39. BAM.

In case you’re still not convinced, I also needed thyme and sage for my chicken soup, neither of which was cheap for a whole bottle…

A little trip over to the bulk section…(and look at all the options!!)…I scoop out what I need into a small plastic bag, write the four-digit code on the twist-tie, and close it up.

And I ended up walking out with just what I needed for two batches of soup. I paid $0.09 for thyme and the sage? Well, there was so little in the bag, it wouldn’t register on their scale, so they gave it to me for free. That would make me feel bad, except they’re the ones who designed the system, not me. So hey, I’ll take advantage of it! You don’t have to rely on junk food just because you’re traveling, and the smell of soup simmering can make even a temporary place feel like home.

Don’t let the big jars intimidate you! If you’ve got a kitchen available to you, don’t let it go to waste. Your wallet will thank you.